Trailer safety and serviceability is always the driver’s responsibility. Penalty points will be the least of your worries in the event of an accident. You could be facing a dangerous driving conviction or even a spell in jail.

Before you hitch up the trailer;

• Insurance: It is a penalty point offence to have a trailer in a public place without third party insurance, whether attached to a vehicle or not. Motor insurance usually cover theft -if the trailer is attached to your vehicle - but only if the Insurers are notified about the trailer in advance.
  
  
• Licence: Licences obtained before 1997 may allow you to tow a trailer without completing a trailer test if the appropriate box was ticked on the application. Licences obtained after 1997 do not allow the holder to tow a trailer with a gross vehicle weight of more than 750kgs unless a trailer test has been cucessfully completed. Check your licence to be sure.
  
  
• Brakes: Have the brakes been serviced recently? Brake serviceability is one of many serviceability checks carried out by the Gardai in the event of an accident.
  
  
• Speed limit: As per road signs in speed restricted areas and no more than 80kmh on National Primary or Motorways.
  
  

Before you drive off;

• Check Lights: It is a penalty point offence to have defective or missing trailer lights.
  
  
• Check brakes before starting journey.
  
  
• Check tyre pressure.
  
  
• Ensure that the hitch is securely locked in position and brake over-run cable is secure.  Check for "play" in the hitch.  A worn hitch or ball could lead to the trailer coming loose while travelling.
  
  
• Ensure that load is well tied down.
  
  
• Make sure that jockey wheel is fully raised and secure.
  
  
• Weight should be equally distributed directly over the axle(s). There should be a slight loading on the hitch. Consult your towing vehicle and trailer manuals but it is usually 30 - 50kgs.
  
  
• The weight of trailer plus cargo must never exceed the plated weight of the trailer.
  
  
• The weight of trailer plus cargo must never exceed the maximum towing weight of the towing vehicle. Consult your towing vehicles manual.
  
  
• The weight of unbraked trailer plus cargo must never exceed 750kgs.
  
  

While driving;

• Take foot off accelerator if snaking occurs. Breaking hard can increase problem.
  
  
• Match your speed to road conditions. Do not drive to speed limit in difficult driving conditions or on poor roads.
  
  
• Anticipate to reduce braking – especially when carrying heavy loads or livestock.
  
  

Trailer Security Tips

• Use a good quality hitch-lock or wheel clamp. Note that a hitch-lock should cover the bolts that attach your hitch to prevent the hitch simply unbolting the hitch and fitting a new one.
  
  

Enjoy your drive!